The 2005 Five Hundred is a full size car that is "sophisticated and very affordable," said Steve Lyons, president, Ford Division. It is intended to be Ford's new car flagship.
 |
| Where most sedans brag that they can fit two full-size golf club bags, the new Ford Five Hundred has a cavernous trunk that can hold up to eight golf bags. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada) |
"The interior would not look out of place in a more expensive car," he said. "It is a whole foot shorter than a Crown Victoria, but offers double the rear seat leg room and has a larger trunk. In fact, this trunk is so huge it can hold eight full-size golf bags.
"And very importantly, it also offers all-wheel drive, something you will not find from any sedan from any competitor in this price range."
 |
| The Five Hundred is equipped with Ford's new Duratec 30 3.0-liter V-6 engine that delivers 200 horsepower and 200 foot-pounds of torque with less noise and vibration than previous V-6s. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada) |
That last comment was true when Lyons made it, but Chrysler's new rear-wheel drive LX cars, the 300 series sedan and Magnum sport wagon, will offer AWD when they become available this spring.
The Five Hundred has been placed on Ford's all-new, European-inspired crossover platform and will come in three versions: the SE with features such as 17-inch wheels; the midlevel SEL, which adds dual-zone air conditioning, an electronic message center, premium sound system and leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob; and the Limited with its painted bright grille, Audiophile sound system, heated exterior mirrors, and heated leather seats for driver and front passenger.
Come back tomorrow to read about the Ford Freestyle in more detail.